A Gentleman’s Artistry

You can tell much about a man from the words that he peppers his conversation with. Allow him the time and space to ponder his thoughts and you’ll witness his every syllable to resemble something like music. Add to that, the old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words and one could only imagine the melodies that a piece of well crafted art would hold.

Edmond Wilson is an artist of a million words. Words that pour onto the canvas, walls and any other surface that he dares to use for his works. Finding art a young age, Wilson grew his talents into an undeniable means of visible joy and history.

We had the chance to talk with Wilson recently, to find out as much as we could about the man who so eloquently converts adjectives like beauty, amazing and exciting into art.

What type of art would your work be considered?

I guess it would be contemporary art. I’m also doing interior painting of homes and businesses. I’ve completed 2 murals, one baby nursery(princess room with Winnie the Poo and the Seven Dwarfs. And also a 4 yr old room of The Princess and the Frog with glow in the dark paint.

What medium/materials do you prefer to work in or with?

I really fell in love with color pencil in college, but it would take a long time to complete a small 8 1/2 x 11. So I tried pastels. OMG, pastels in my opinion is the PUREST form of media because you blend and mix the colors with your fingers directly on the paper!

How long have you been into art and creating art?

I’ve been an artist as far back as I can remember. I recall using crayons on the roll down blinds that were almost like canvas.

What motivates you to work?

I’m motivated by human emotion. I paint a lot of people and I like to feel connected to my subjects.

What’s your working process? Do you listen to music, burn candles or any of the other artsy things like that?

I’m VERY ARTSY in terms of candles, music and incense. I need peace and calm. I even have a fan oscillating to spread the vibe.

Where are you originally from and where do you reside now?

I’m originally from New Brunswick, NJ and a suburb just outside of that, called Franklin Township. I now reside in Germantown, MD, a suburb about 20 miles northwest of DC.

Have you ever been commissioned to do an elaborate piece for anyone famous yet?

Yes. I’m in the process of completing a piece for a retired football player that I met in a Nike outlet store. He walked up behind me and I felt someone in my personal space. I turn and it’s him, who happens to be one of my favorite players. We chop it up about 20 mins, find we have a few things in common. I say, ‘I’m a painter, do you have any artwork of yourself in your man cave’ ? I tell him I have a picture of him from a team calender and he says that’s one of his favorites. I’m getting all excited, but remaining calm. He gives me an email address and I must’ve recorded it wrong. Months later I connect with him on LinkedIn and I send a photo to him in a message. He responds to me IMMEDIATELY with his cell number to call him. I gotta finish that joint. It’ll be MY biggest payday so far.

Is your art on display in a public place now?

No. I haven’t had the opportunity to be on display yet, but this is MY year.

What’s been your most fulfilling piece that you’ve created? Why?

My most fulfilling piece has to be my Aretha Franklin that I painted for my mother. She’s her favorite of ALL time. That have me validated as a artist.

What are your plans for your work, moving forward?

My plans are to let everyone who I come into contact with know that I’m an artist and to share my card and website with them. I’m always aiming to make good connections with other “ARTSY” people which will help get my name out there.